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Poppy cultivation in Lower Saxony: Between enjoyment and strict regulations
Lower Saxony is experiencing a surge in opium poppy cultivation, regulated by strict permits and high demand for poppy seeds.
Poppy cultivation in Lower Saxony: Between enjoyment and strict regulations
What is blooming in Lower Saxony? More and more farmers are venturing into growing opium poppies after the plant has been in the shadow of bans for decades. The opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) has only been harvested again in the last few years, but only under strict conditions. How NDR reported, cultivation must be approved by the Federal Opium Authority. Only varieties with low morphine content may be cultivated to prevent abuse.
Violet and pink flowers shine on farms in Lower Saxony, the third highest growing country for opium poppies in Germany. In 2024, over 1,000 hectares of opium poppies were planted in Germany, with more than 100 hectares in Lower Saxony. These flowers are not only a feast for the eyes, but also provide valuable seeds for the food industry. One example is the Behn family from Groß Twülpstedt, who have already brought in their first harvests and delivered their poppy seeds to local bakeries.
Strict regulations for cultivation
But the path to the poppy is not an easy one. After Attorney Wenck The regulations are clear: cultivation is fundamentally illegal without the appropriate permit. Anyone who violates the Narcotics Act can face up to five years in prison or hefty fines. The permit costs between 75 and 190 euros for private individuals and is only valid for areas of a maximum of 10 square meters. Growers must also keep accurate records of sowing time and harvest.
The approval is issued by the Federal Opium Office and must be renewed regularly. Even if cultivation is possible for hobby gardeners on small areas, it remains a bureaucratic effort that should not be underestimated. Only two opium poppy varieties are currently approved in Germany: “Mieszko” and “ZENO MORPHEX”. These variants have a particularly low opiate content and are hardly suitable for the production of intoxicants.
The flourishing poppy culture
Farmers like Werner Klemme, who has been growing opium poppies in the Auetal for around ten years, report increasing demand and yields of up to 1,500 kilograms per hectare. Klemme likes to invite passionate photographers to his poppy fields, which have become real photo opportunities. “The flowering was perfect this year,” he enthuses, even though he occasionally had to contend with crop failures.
The versatile uses of the opium poppy are another plus point: the seeds find their place in the kitchen, for example for poppy seed oil or as a baking ingredient. However, it is important to mention that all parts of the plant except the seeds are poisonous and can pose health risks. The “Poisonous Plant of the Year” foundation chose the opium poppy as one for good reason. It is therefore important to think about the health aspects when growing your own Northern Bavaria is explained.
In summary, a lot is happening here in Lower Saxony. The return of the opium poppy has the potential to revitalize agriculture in the region. However, if you want to do it yourself, you should first thoroughly inform yourself about the legal framework and obtain the necessary permits. Then nothing stands in the way of the poppy flower!